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Chrysler recently unveiled an all-new 2007 Sebring sedan that bears more than a passing resemblance to the Dodge Caliber. It goes on sale in the fourth quarter of this year.

Although the Sebring is longer and wider than the Caliber, it has the same tall roof and upright seating that contribute to a generous interior in a fairly small overall footprint. The height is one inch shy of 5 feet.

“The all-new 2007 Chrysler Sebring sustains the momentum started by the blockbuster hit Chrysler 300 and continued with the Dodge Caliber,” said George Murphy, Chrysler Group’s senior vice president for global marketing. “Just as the 300 redefined the large-car segment and signaled the return of the great American car, Chrysler Sebring combines the levels of reliability and durability that midsize buyers demand with unexpected levels of style, craftsmanship, technology and affordable performance.”

From the front, the Sebring has the distinctive Chrysler brand face. Large quad headlights, the Chrysler grille and grooves stamped into the hood are all reminiscent of the Chrysler Airflite concept car that was displayed in 2003 at the Geneva auto show.

The ’07 Sebring will be available in base, Touring and Limited models, with a choice of three engines: a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder with 172 horsepower; a 2.7-liter V-6 with 190 horsepower; and a 3.5-liter V-6 with 235 horsepower.

All three engines will be mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The Sebring will be one of the first Chrysler Group products to use this gearbox that provides quicker acceleration from a stop because of a lower first gear. The additional gears should mean more relaxed cruising and slightly better highway fuel economy.

While prices of the new car haven’t been announced, by way of comparison, a 2006 Sebring with the four-cylinder engine has a base price of $20,730. The top Limited sedan with a 2.7-liter V-6 has a base price of $23,690. I would expect the new car to fall roughly within those boundaries, although the 3.5-liter V-6 is likely to be higher than $23,690.

“The 2007 Chrysler Sebring will feature a Harmon/Kardon information, entertainment and navigation audio system that raises the bar on in-vehicle communications,” according the press materials. The 6.5-inch touch-screen can display 65,000 colors and is capable of providing a three-dimensional look to graphics and animation. Voice-activated commands are used for navigation.

A key component of the audio system is a 20-gigabyte hard disc drive with a USB connection for storing music and photographs, the ability to create music playlists, the ability to record a message up to three minutes long, a radio screen which can play movies when the vehicle is stopped, and Sirius satellite radio. Bluetooth connectivity is also offered.

Other clever items include heated and cooled cup holders, stain-resistant seat fabric and a rear-seat entertainment system.

Inside, the Sebring has soft surface textures for a feeling of elegance. The driver’s seat is considerably higher than the one in the old model, and that contributes to a command-of-the-road driving position.

The 60/40 split-folding rear seat opens up cargo space, and an optional fold-flat front passenger seat has a surface like a table.

Safety features include front, side and side-curtain airbags. Options include anti-lock brakes with brake assist, traction control and vehicle stability control.

The new Sebring appears to be a significant advance over the current model in every way. We’ll know more once vehicles are available for driving.

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Chrysler Sebring

Engines: 2.4-liter, 172-hp 4-cyl.

2.7-liter, 190-hp V-6

3.5-liter, 235-hp V-6

Transmission: Automatic

Front-wheel drive

Wheelbase: 108.9 inches

Curb weight: 3,287 to 3,499

Base price: not available

MPG rating: not available